Only three people remained in the vast conference room.
Compared to Soldier Boy and Homelander's relaxed demeanor, Translucent seemed rather ill at ease.
"Sir, did you need something?" Translucent asked respectfully.
He truly couldn't understand why Homelander had suddenly sought him out.
But judging by past experience, it definitely wasn't anything good.
Homelander's face was grim. "Translucent, how many years have you been in the Seven?"
"Five years," Translucent answered stiffly. "Sir, you approved my joining five years ago. You even held a welcome ceremony for me."
Homelander nodded. "That's right. I still remember how you solemnly vowed to be a superhero."
"Sir, that's what I've always believed in." Translucent answered almost without thinking.
"Really? Don't you think you're a rat monster addicted to peeping in bathrooms?" Homelander sneered.
Translucent's expression changed. Alarm bells rang in his head, and he said nervously, "Sir... I... I meant no harm."
Homelander waved away his excuses, then stepped closer until they were face-to-face.
He extended his thumb and rested it against the edge of Translucent's eye, a hint of menace in his voice. "As of today, you're no longer a member of the Seven."
"What?!" Translucent exclaimed in disbelief.
He was about to demand an explanation, but Homelander suddenly pressed his thumb harder, forcing him to swallow his words.
He had a feeling that if he dared continue, that thumb would burst his eye.
After a long while, cowed by Homelander's tyranny, Translucent finally spoke bitterly. "Yes, sir. I understand..."
Only then did Homelander smile. "For the sake of all our years together, I'll let you save face in front of the media. You have a week to deal with those bigmouthed reporters. I don't want to see any public controversy."
His tone was casual, as though he were joking with a friend,